Wheeler Lake stretches approximately 60 miles from the Guntersville Dam downstream to its namesake dam and covers 68,300 acres. That’s a big lake, but this time of year, Wheeler fishes small and that raises a point of strategic consideration.
Summarily, the postspawn period which currently defines Wheeler’s disposition, can be a little disjointed with a mix of shad spawn, fry guarding and bream bed patterns. However, a large number of fish are setting up on common areas like the famed Decatur Flats and offshore ledges — a reality that tends to congregate anglers in close proximity.
No one owns the water and, while we always hope everyone will exercise professionalism and competitive courtesy, you gotta fish where you can fish. That being said, the more anglers prioritize cooperation, the better everyone fares when fishing tight scenarios.
Clark Reehm, the Louisiana pro who placed fifth on Day 1 with 19-12, saw this premise at work while he fished offshore bars and ledges in 4-8 feet.
“I have a couple of spots that have fish on them, but it’s so frustrating because you can’t get where you want to get,” Reehm said. “I shared a place with two guys (on Day 1) and if other people knew that school of fish was there, they would have tried to get in there.”
As Reehm pointed out, the cooperation concept is greatly tested after the morning flurries fizzle and the day’s tougher times unfold.
“It’s almost like there’s a gap at 8 o’clock where the current dies and it really slows down and at 10 o’clock, it really gets hard,” he said. “The problem is you can’t let a spot rest; you can’t let more fish pull up because there are so many guys (competing for spots). It’s one of the most frustrating deals.”
So, what’s the solution? Well, short of taking a number like customers at a deli counter, a simple plan of communication and cooperation goes a long way.
“I’m spot locked with that Lowrance Ghost trolling motor, sitting on one spot for a long time,” Reehm said. “I have a guy over here and he’s spot locked and we’re working together, so I’ll say, ‘Hey man, I threw over here. I’ll let you cast over me, so hold your bait still and let me finish my cast.’
“We only got wrapped up once, so that’s good. I’m sure there were a few more hiccups (elsewhere) throughout the day. That’s the problem with tournaments on TVA lakes, it’s frustrating to fish in a crowd — nobody likes to do it.”
Everyone’s fishing for their own benefit, but integrating a little consideration into that objective can help prevent the time-wasting frustrations of tangled lines or terse debates.
“You can make friends, or you can make enemies,” Reehm said. “The best thing to do is try to work with the guys around you.”
A rising tide lifts all boats.
